Example
C applied for household items after moving to a new property due to deteriorating health conditions. C's mobility difficulties and sensitivity to light meant that several items were needed to help meet their health and care needs and enable them to live safely at home.
The council initially declined the application as C's savings were above the capital limit. Following a first-tier review, the council obtained further information and accepted that C met the eligibility criteria. The council awarded flooring but declined the remaining items because they assessed that they did not meet the required priority level.
C asked for an independent review. We reviewed the council's case file and spoke with C. We found that some of the items were essential to support C's health and care needs and should have been assessed at high priority. We therefore changed the decision and instructed the council to award an armchair, dishwasher, living room blinds and a single bed, mattress and bedding for C’s carer. We did not change their decision not to award a lawn mower or carpet for the second bedroom.
Recommendations
- Award an armchair, dishwasher, livingroom blinds and a single bed (base, mattress and bedding kit)
Feedback
- Further enquiries were not made to fully understand C's health and care needs.
- One item was incorrectly treated as an excluded medical item.
- Two requested items were missing from the first-tier review decision letter.
We have asked the council to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within five working days.